About Us
Leicester Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara practices Theravada Buddhism and offers instruction in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. Instructions on Buddhism and spiritual guidance are given free of charge in the name of the Dhamma.
Our Monks
![Venerable Viharagala Kusala](https://dharmashoka.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/deputy-monk-284x300.jpg)
Ven. Viharagala Kusala
Venerable Viharagala Kusala Thero received his novice ordination in 2004 at the age of 11 at Maha Visuddharamaya Buddhist temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
After successful completion of the primary monastery education at Tipitaka Mulika Pirivena in Colombo. Then he entered into Vidyodya Maha Pirivena for completion Royal Pandith, Colombo. Then He worked at Dharmodya Pirivena in Colombo since 2015.
![](https://dharmashoka.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Bhante-Arunasiri-1-298x300.jpg)
Ven. Thittagalle Arunasiri
Bhante Arunasiri is a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk who joined recently with Leicester Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara to serve the community with his Dhamma Experience.
Bhante Arunasiri received his novice ordination in 2001 at the age of 11 at Siri Kettharamaya Buddhist temple, Galle, Sri Lanka.
Highly educated and well-trained in meditation and Buddhist Philosophy.
Brief History of Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara
Leicester Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara practices Theravada Buddhism.
It was founded in 2015 under the leadership of Dr.Witharandeniye Kassapa Thero. Ven. Indasiri thero was another energetic character who had done untiring service for the well establishment of Dharmashoka Vihara.
The temple had its humble beginning in a small house in Leicester. In 2023, Leicester Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara will be moved to its permanent location by purchasing a calm environment in Leicester which will include shrine room, separate living quarters for resident monks and visiting monks, and a library.
The project will be completed in 2024. This achievement will possible thanks to the generous contributions of many well-wishing donors. One of the main missions of Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara is to maintain a peaceful and pleasant environment to carry out all Buddhist activities, especially the teachings and practices of Theravada Buddhism. The two erudite resident monks offer instructions in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. The monks are available as speakers to all educational and religious institutions. Instructions on Buddhism and spiritual guidance are given free of charge in the name of the Dhamma.
We welcome Buddhists of all denominations and friends who wish to enlighten themselves in Buddhism. Leicester Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara also involved in many humanitarian and social works in UK and Sri Lanka.
Leicester Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara is also known as Dharmashoka Institute under the Charity Number 0120543.
![](https://dharmashoka.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dhamma-uk-logo-1024x768.jpeg)
Our Resident Monks:
Ven.Viharagala Kusala & Bhante Arunasiri
Current Committee
President : Ven. Dr. Witharadeniye Kassapa Thero
Secretary : Mr Ajith Prasanna Hewapalliyaguruge
Treasurer : Mr Pubudu Perera
![](https://dharmashoka.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cropped-Dharmashoka-Logo.png)
Dharmashoka Leicester
2022
New website launched to provide improved services to growing community.
![silver laptop computer with assorted logo screengrab](https://dharmashoka.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ubiwo074qlu-1024x683.jpg)
Online Teaching
Covid-Pandemic
March 2019 – 2021
Unprecedented outbreak of Covid – SARS 2 virus around the world forced lockdowns. Dharmashoka started online teaching classes.
![](https://dharmashoka.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/dharmashoka.jpg)
Property Purchased
91 Queniborough Road
2015 – Purchased Property
This property was purchased by the Sri Lankan community and converted into Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara.
Services Provided
Donate
The Midlands International Buddhist Association (Leicester Branch)
Bank: Lloyds Bank
Account Number: 03530472
Sortcode: 30-92-59
Start your spiritual journey
Dharmashoka Buddhist Vihara is a charity organisation, wholly funded and run by the volunteers mainly by the Sri Lankan community. We would love to see more and more volunteers to help and serve all those in need. Come and make a difference and begin your spiritual journey with us.
![](https://dharmashoka.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/lotus-flower-1024x698.jpg)